Toxic gas emissions topic of Science Cafe

LINCOLN, Neb. – David Hallberg, Urban Air Initiative policy consultant, will present “Examining the Public Health Threat of Gasoline Emissions in Urban Areas” at The Slowdown during an Omaha, Nebraska, Science Café Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m.

“The fuels combusted on our nation’s roadways are a predominant source of the most dangerous particle-borne toxic emissions,” said Hallberg, an Omaha resident. “Adding toxic carcinogens to gasoline is the way oil companies achieve the octane your engine needs to perform. Using more biofuels is a non-toxic octane enhancer and a proven method of reducing those toxic levels.”

Hallberg has served as legislative director in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and was actively involved in drafting and enactment of much of the ethanol industry’s formative legislation from 1977 to 1981. Hallberg founded and served as president/CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association from 1981-1985. He was a member of the U.S. delegation to the G8 Forum on climate change in Shonan Village, Japan, in 2001.

Hallberg is the inventor of three U.S. patents for integrated processes to produce renewable fuels and reduce carbon emissions. Appointed by Gov. Ben Nelson, he served as a Nebraska Ethanol Board member from 1998-2010. Hallberg is the recipient of American Coalition of Ethanol’s Grassroots and Merle Anderson awards. He currently works with a number of clients in the biofuels arena.

About Science Café: Science Cafés involve a face-to-face conversation with a scientist about current science topics. They are open to everyone (21 and older), and take place in casual settings like pubs and coffeehouses. A science café's casual meeting place, plain language, and inclusive conversation create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for people with no science background. Each meeting is organized around an interesting topic of conversation. A scientist gives a brief presentation followed by a question and answer period. Pizza is provided by The Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures for the first 50 people.